Tioga Down welcomes the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for sophomore pacing fillies on Sunday (July 12).
In the first of two divisions, worth $59,000, Rapunzel Blue Chip (driven by Jason Bartlett) looks to be the one to beat. Trained by Tom Fanning, she is looking for her first win as a three-year-old. The filly by American Ideal has three career victories.
Hen Party (driven by Andrew McCarthy) and Alleyesonme As (driven by Jim Morrill Jr.) should be the chief rivals.
Hen Party (sired by Roll With Joe) is trained by Tony Alagna. She has one win this season and four career wins with earnings of almost $200,000.
Alleyesonme As (sired by Heston Blue Chip) was second in a NYSS race at Yonkers in her only start this season. Trained by Annette Lorentzon, she has six wins in eight career starts.
So Rude (driven by Joe Bongiorno) and Eye Popping (driven by Marcus Miller) look to be the top contenders in the $59,000 second division. Both are coming off NYSS wins at Yonkers.
Jennifer Bongiorno trains So Rude (sired by So Surreal). She has four career wins and has $135,000 in the bank.
Eye Popping (sired by So Surreal) was winless as a freshman. Trained by Scott DiDomenico, she has won her last two races.
The 11-race card starts at 4 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)